Children and Cross-stitch?

I taught my neice and nephew when they were 6 and 8. They are still working on their first projects a year and a half later, but my neice who is now 8 keeps saying she needs to bring it over because she has a question. I'm sure if you sat down and showed her how to manage, it wouldn't be a problem. Looking at the weather here, it would make a great rainy day project.

Addie

Considering that much younger children worked the cross stitch over linen in days past, I see no reason why a bright 10-year old couldn't master even 14-count aida. As long as you sat down with her and let her practise first on a doodle aida.

Dianne

KCat wrote:

I started at around 7-8 years old. I've taught boys of that age to cross-stitch, too. Really depends on the child. From the sounds of it, your niece would be able to handle it, as long as she was actually interested in the project. I'd actually suggest taking her with you to pick out a kit. You're there to make sure she doesn't pick a TW ;-) and she is sure to pick something she really wants. Plus has the fun of learning about stash enhancement!

Barbara HJ

hmm... yeah, that would be the problem. She lives 990 miles away. :( I probably should have thought to mention that. She picked up on the fountain pen thing fairly quickly. But still benefitted from a Christmas-time lesson last year. but it's only once a year we get out there.

she lives over 900 miles away and I don't know if her mom has any experience with it or time. Besides, it would be from her aunt and I would want to be the one to teach her. Sounds like a Christmas thing (the only time we get out there) and that for her BD we'll do something else.

Maybe you could find a simple instruction sheet or a book, with lots of illustrations of stitches, and include that in her gift. At 10 maybe she could learn from a book that has pictures of the various stitches and that might just create an interest in learning about needlework, as well as how to do it.. You could also include some extra fabric and floss (what Dianne calls a doodle cloth) for her to practice on.

Lucille

My grandmother started me at age 4 with scrap cloth and regular sewing thread and a large sewing needle. She drew large x's all over the fabric for me to stitch. Once I grasped that, I was slowly moved up to preprinted pillowcase designs, a hoop, but still the sewing thread. By the time I was

6, I was doing full cross stitch. It all depends on how quickly the kid grasps the subject, and their enthusiasm. For me, it was like a fire in my belly once I started those x's. My grandmother was overjoyed.

I started around the same age as you with counted cross on 14 count, no adult assistance or supervision. My aunt was ostensibly my influence, she had a Last Supper piece she was doing and it was frequently out in view when I was at her house babysitting for my cousin. But she never sat down with me to teach me or anything else.

I started my daughter (now 12) at age 7 with yarn and 7 count plastic canvas. She's not as addicted as I am, but she does come back to her projects periodically. And she has a WIP list as long as mine (although much smaller pieces than mine... LOL)

Are you thinking of Brightneedle's Mary Kirby series? She's always traveling and a charm, page of a story and sticker are included with the kit.

Christ> I seem to remember someone has a kit aimed at children like the flat Stanley

I first started with 11 and plastic needle, I was about 6 , I was driving grandmother crazy. so, she showed how to cross stitch

i think u should get a kit for her on cats as u suggested as she is a fan of cats and then when u do go to visit u cud take it with you and if u get bad weather while ur their then u can help her out also giving her a book of stitches is a good idead and i wish u luck in finding her a kit